10 Wholesome Anime Series for Newbies

1. "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988)

When talking about wholesome anime, it's practically a legal requirement to mention "My Neighbor Totoro." This Studio Ghibli classic introduces us to Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to the countryside with their father. While there, they encounter various spirits, including the titular Totoro, a large, fuzzy creature who doesn't speak but conveys a ton through his actions. It's an exploration of childhood wonder, wrapped up in Hayao Miyazaki 's signature animation style. This film inspired the "Cat Bus," a common transport for Ghibli characters and the inspiration for the Catbus in South Park.

2. "K-On!" (2009-2010)

"K-On!" is the anime equivalent of a cozy, fluffy blanket. It follows the daily lives of four high school girls who are members of a light music club, essentially trying to prevent it from being disbanded. Don't let the music part fool you; the series is less about music and more about the sweet friendship between the girls. There's Yui, the spacey guitarist, Mio, the shy bassist, Ritsu, the tomboyish drummer, and Mugi, the gentle keyboardist. Notably, this anime popularized the "moe" subgenre, focusing on cutesy character designs and interactions.

3. "Usagi Drop" (2011)

Meet Daikichi, a 30-year-old bachelor with a humdrum life. Things take an unexpected turn when he decides to adopt Rin, his grandfather's illegitimate six-year-old daughter, after his grandfather's death. "Usagi Drop" chronicles their life together, highlighting the challenges and joys of parenthood. Daikichi's initial ignorance about childcare, Rin's heart-tugging innocence, and their growing bond are portrayed with a light touch of humor and tons of warmth. This series serves a slice of life that is as sweet as it is realistic, reminding us that families can come in all shapes and sizes.

4. "Barakamon" (2014)

"Barakamon" is a story of self-discovery and the importance of community. It stars Seishu Handa, a talented but hot-headed calligrapher who is sent to a remote village to cool down after punching an elderly curator (bad move, Handa). Here, in the company of quirky villagers and a cheeky young girl named Naru, Handa learns about life, humility, and the real essence of his art. It's like a bowl of hearty stew – wholesome, warming, and filled with flavorful characters.

5. "A Silent Voice" (2016)

"A Silent Voice" delves into the complex themes of bullying, forgiveness, and redemption. It chronicles the journey of Shoya, a boy who bullies Shoko, a deaf girl, in elementary school. However, as he grows older, Shoya feels remorse and decides to make amends. This movie is a poignant portrayal of guilt, redemption, and the struggles of living with a disability. Not just content with a compelling narrative, the film features breathtaking animation and excellent voice acting, with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 95%.

6. "Haikyu!!" (2014-present)

Now, sports might not be everyone's cup of tea, but "Haikyu!!" sure knows how to serve up a heartwarming tale that would turn even the most sports-averse into cheerleaders. The series follows the ebullient Shoyo Hinata, a vertically challenged boy with a giant love for volleyball. Inspired by a player known as the "Little Giant," Hinata joins his high school's lackluster volleyball team with the goal of reaching the nationals. Despite its sports-themed premise, the series shines in its portrayal of teamwork, friendship, and personal growth. It's not just about winning or losing, but about the journey of a group of boys trying their best, growing together, stumbling, and picking themselves back up.

7. "Natsume's Book of Friends" (2007-2017)

Prepare for a spiritual rollercoaster ride with "Natsume's Book of Friends." This series features Takashi Natsume, a teenage boy who can see spirits. He inherits a notebook from his grandmother, which contains the names of spirits she had bullied into servitude. Natsume, ever the soft-hearted hero, decides to return the names and free the spirits. This leads to episodic adventures that are equal parts heartwarming and melancholic. Despite its supernatural elements, the series often explores the everyday beauty of the Japanese countryside, so if you need something relaxing and visually beautiful, this one's definitely for you.

8. "Silver Spoon" (2013-2014)

From the creator of "Fullmetal Alchemist" comes a very different type of story. "Silver Spoon" tells the tale of Yugo Hachiken, a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural high school to escape the pressures of his strict family. However, farm life is far from the easy escape he envisioned. He learns about the realities of agricultural life, including the grit and determination it takes to rear animals and grow crops. Through friendships and challenges, Yugo learns valuable life lessons about hard work, responsibility, and where food comes from. Interestingly, author Hiromu Arakawa grew up on a dairy farm, so the series is steeped in authentic rural experiences.

9. "March Comes in Like a Lion" (2016-2018)

"March Comes in Like a Lion" offers a heartfelt exploration of loneliness, depression, and the power of human connections. The story centers on Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who lives alone. Rei's solitude is punctuated by his interactions with a warm-hearted family of three sisters living nearby and his fellow shogi players. The series paints an intimate portrait of Rei's mental struggles and the influence of his relationships on his journey towards self-healing.

10. "My Hero Academia" (2016-present)

This is the underdog story to end all underdog stories. "My Hero Academia" is set in a world where almost everyone has superpowers, or "Quirks," except for our protagonist, Izuku Midoriya. Despite this, Izuku dreams of becoming a hero. His life takes a dramatic turn when All Might, the world's greatest hero, chooses him as his successor and grants him a powerful quirk. The series follows Izuku's journey through a prestigious hero academy, his friendships, rivalries, and the challenges he overcomes to prove himself.